AAIB Preliminary Report on Rourkela Plane Crash Points to Oil Leak and Engine Failure
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings on the January 10, 2026, crash of India One Air’s Cessna Caravan near Rourkela.
According to the report, the aircraft was operating scheduled flights between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela when the crew noticed a steady drop in engine oil pressure about 30 nautical miles from its destination.
Despite following non‑normal checklist procedures and issuing a mayday call, the engine lost power due to oil leakage.
The pilots attempted an emergency landing, initially aiming for a dry riverbed but switching to an open field at low altitude. The aircraft struck a treetop and a power line before crashing.
The AAIB has attributed the accident to an engine malfunction caused by oil leakage, which led to complete power loss.
This preliminary report underscores the critical role of engine maintenance and monitoring in ensuring flight safety. A detailed final report is expected after further investigation.
